ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- Fire crews continue to monitor a stubborn wildfire in east Orange County.

Gusty winds are blowing smoke toward the Orlando area and keeping firefighters on alert.

Acre after acre, the wildfire near Bithlo has grown. For the past week, residents have dealt with smoky conditions and last weekend, many were evacuated from their homes.

They’re hopeful they won’t have to evacuate again. “We all gathered in the yard and prayed before we left that things would be here once we got back” said resident Jim Darity.

Darity has lived in the area for two years. He says he’s not used to seeing so much damage, but he’s confident firefighters will protect him and his family.

Firefighters say they have the 1,200 acre fire 80% contained.